Linden Seeds

Walking down the street on a summer day I saw a linden tree’s seeds scattered on the asphalt. I collected a few, brought them to my studio, and drew them. I drew them in all different positions and configurations. Then, I made prints of them. Then I began making oil paintings of the linden seeds. I continued looking at and painting the dancing street tree seeds through Winter. The oil, the paint, the textures and colors dance together with the forms.

Tilia* These street trees are common in cities here, as well as in Europe. I first learned about them in Spain where the sweet smelling flowers are used in teas to help ease stomach aches and bring on sleep. The Scientific name is Tilia, and in Spanish the tree is called Tilo and the tea is called tila. When I went to my grandparents' home countries (Ukraine and Lithuania) I saw parks full of many types of Linden. My grandparents' house here has a LInden tree growing in the sidewalk in front of it. The heart shaped leaves, big red buds, deep grooved bark, and dancing seeds feel like home.